Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman died after a horrific attack inside the travel agents where she worked.

The incident happened in front of shoppers. Some witnesses said they saw the woman being carried out by paramedics after the attack and that her "throat had been slit.

The victim has been named locally as 28-year-old Cassie Hayes. Police in Southport, Merseyside, said a 30-year-old man had been arrested and a murder investigation launched.

Cassie's heartbroken partner, Leah Mcdonald, said on Facebook late this afternoon: “My absolute world i love you so so much have done since we first met i promise i will look after our girl the best i can.”

Teams of police and two air ambulances descended on the scene this afternoon, and a man was detained, according to the Liverpool Echo.